hear, say, live · thank you. ” dimity dornan ... copy by calling hear and say on 07 3850 2111. i...

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

HEAR, SAY, LIVE

WE STARTED WITH 6AND HAVE GROWN TO

900+ TODAY

THIS YEAR’S BIG FIGURESREACHING OUT TO MORE CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

6,000 LISTENING AND SPOKEN LANGUAGE THERAPY OR

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY SESSIONS

OUR PEOPLE:

‘HEAR TO LEARN’ SCHOOL HEARING SCREENING REACHED OUT TO:

61STAFF INCLUDING 30%

PART TIME ACROSS 5 CENTRES

125SCHOOLS

1,571HOURS OF TRAINING ACROSS

THE TOTAL ORGANISATION

9,624STUDENTS

Annual Report 2016–2017

37BABIES AND CHILDREN RECEIVED NEW

IMPLANTABLE TECHNOLOGY (= 48 EARS)

THROUGH AUDIOLOGY SERVICES, LISTENING AND SPOKEN LANGUAGE THERAPY, OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY, SCHOOL HEARING SCREENING, SOCIAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT, RESEARCH AND INNOVATION, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND PARENT SUPPORT.

AUDIOLOGY SUPPORTED

262CHILDREN OR 489 EARS

INCLUDING 23 CHILDREN WITH SINGLE-SIDED DEAFNESS

3,000 AUDIOLOGY SESSIONS

41 FAMILIES RECEIVED TELEPRACTICE SUPPORT ACROSS QUEENSLAND + SINGAPORE, UAE, PNG AND KOREA

SUPPORTING

65 FAMILIES WITH

NEW NDIS PLANS

70NEW FAMILIES

JOINED THE EARLY INTERVENTION

PROGRAM

1Annual Report 2016–2017

PROUD TO BE A PART OF HEAR AND SAY’S PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

PAST 25 YEARS AGO CHILDREN WITH HEARING LOSS WERE BEING TAUGHT ONLY SIGN AND THERE WAS NO CHILD/PARENT CENTRED APPROACH FOR THESE FAMILIES – THIS WAS THE DREAM I HAD WHEN I STARTED HEAR AND SAY.

2 Annual Report 2016–2017

“As I reminisce about the past I can recall so many wonderful moments. Below are just a few special milestones that I wanted to share. There are so many more and all have been possible with the support of the government, corporates, philanthropists, small business, individual donors and a generous community. Thank you.”

Dimity Dornan, Founder and Executive Director

IN 1997 We had our first teleconference auditory-verbal lesson in North Queensland.

BY 1999 We began working from a regional centre in rented premises at the Gold Coast. In 2004 we opened our very

own regional centre at the Sunshine Coast, and a year later we also opened at the Gold Coast.

IN 2002 Claudia becomes the first baby to receive her cochlear implants as early as six months of age. This is now the norm meaning we can change babies’ brains to listen and speak so much earlier than previously.

DECEMBER 2006 Universal Newborn Hearing Screening commenced in every hospital in Queensland. Hear and Say, along with Quota International, played a critical role in getting this off the ground and we were indebted to the Queensland Government for delivering this vital service which continues today.

FAST TRACK TO 2013 and another first for Queensland, Ruby was the first child with a single sided hearing loss to receive a cochlear implant. Hear and Say had advocated that we have two ears for a reason, and now it was recognised that the brain cannot provide the best access to sound if only one ear is working.

MARCH 2016 and the Education Minister, the Honourable Kate Jones, officially launched our School Hearing Screening Program. Since that day the program, which is now called, ‘Hear to Learn’, has grown to over 19,000 students since we first trialled the program in 2015.

YOU CAN READ MORE BY PURCHASING ‘SOUNDS OF HOPE’I am thrilled to be able to share the Hear and Say 25 year journey in a book titled ‘Sounds of Hope’. This book tells the story of Hear and Say through the words of our families and children, many who are now young adults, as well as our supporters, donors, Board and staff. You can purchase your copy by calling Hear and Say on 07 3850 2111.

I hope you enjoy reading ‘Sounds of Hope’ as much as I have enjoyed being a part of this amazing 25 year journey.

Dimity

Just days before

CHRISTMAS 2014 the team was busy moving into the Brisbane Centre and Queensland headquarters. In March 2015 Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk officially opened the building.


d+k

Ian Dodd Trust

Ken Fletcher Foundation

Order of St John of Jerusalem

Sunshine Coast Commandery

Ronald Geoffrey Arnott

Foundation

The Flannery Foundation

Thompson Family Children of the

Future Fund

The Stan & Maureen Duke

Foundation

The Marjorie Biggs

Charitable Trust

The John Christopher

Pascoe Memorial Charitable Trust

• Non-State Special Needs Organisations Program, Department of Education and Training

• Non School Organisations Program, Department of Education and Training

• Queensland Health

• Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services, Queensland Government


THANK YOU FOR BELIEVING IN US…

WE ARE HUMBLED BY THE SUPPORT THAT WE HAVE RECEIVED THIS YEAR FROM GOVERNMENT, INDIVIDUALS, BUSINESSES, TRUSTS AND FOUNDATIONS, AND COMMUNITY GROUPS.

Chris McCarthy (CEO); Cr Paul Antonio (Mayor of Toowoomba); Nola and Roy Thompson (Thompson Family Children

of the Future Fund); Dr Dimity Dornan (Founder and Executive Director);

Danielle and Audrey Skerman.

4BC, A & D Ramsay, A & E Morosini, A & J Rogers, A & K

Catsoulis, A & R Rankin, A & S Chapman, A Ashdown, A Askew, A Beattie, A Bell, A Bevan, A Brown, A Butterfield,

A Campbell, A Caston, A Chang, A Charles, A Clancy, A Clark, A Clarke, A Coates, A Cook, A Cridland, A Croyden, A Cunningham, A Curcio, A Davis,

A Dooley, A Duffy, A Dunstan, A Earnshaw, A Everingham, A Faoagali, A Forsythe, A Gavin, A Harris, A Hayes, A Helmore, A Henderson, A Herbert, A Hoyle, A Humphrey,

A Irvin, A J Campbell, A Jimmieson, A Johnson, A King, A Ledgerwood, A Letchford, A Liu, A Loizou, A Madison, A Markey, A Martin, A Mather, A Nardozza, A Nation, A Nicholson, A O’Brien,

A O’Sullivan, A Palmblad, A Parer, A Peterson, A Phillips, A Phomsouvanh, A Pinkstone, A Quakawoot, A Regnard, A Ringelstein, A Sanderson, A Sarju, A Sharp, A Sharrock, A Shearer, A Simon, A Simpson, A Singh,

A Small, A Sorbello, A Stanton, A Stockwell, A Storer, A Thorne, A Voigt, A Vorbach, A Walker, A Warren, A Whelan, A Williams, A Wolfe, A Wong, A Wrigley, A Young, AC1 Pty Ltd, Acacia Hill School, Adagold Aviation Pty Ltd, ADFAS

(Brisbane River) Inc, Advocate Private Wealth, Alexsmith.tv Pty Ltd, Amamoor State School, Ambrose Advisory, Aquatic Achievers Swim Schools, ARA Group Endowment, Ashgrove Dental, Asset Fire Security and Mechanical

Services Pty Ltd, Aussie World, Australian Factoring Group Pty Ltd, Australian Hearing, Aspley, Australian Hearing, Hervey Bay, Australian Hearing, Toowoomba, Australian Institute of Fitness Pty Ltd, Australian Institute of Fitness Qld, Australian Medical Association Queensland, Australian Philanthropic Services Foundation, Avenues Early Learning Centre, Carina,

Avenues Early Learning Centre, Norman Park, B & A Bell, B & K Brown, B & L Hawkes, B & M Stuart, B Ajimal, B Allen, B Andrews, B Bates, B Brett, B Buchanan, B Bull, B Byrne Henderson, B Campbell, B Clarke, B Corney, B Day, B De Plater, B Downes,

B Franzmann, B Gauld, B Gibson, B Gilbert-Bailey, B Gilmore, B Goffage, B Groat, B Hay, B Haycroft, B Higgins, B Hopkins, B Jenkins, B Kynaston, B Laing, B Matravers, B McAuliffe, B McKerrow, B Mulherin, B Nasternak, B Pappalardo, B Power, B Pye, B R & R E M Townsend, B Rahmann, B Reed, B Renwick, B Rodwell, B Rollason, B Roth, B Suter, B Warren, Badge Constructions, Bambini Child Care, BayView State School, BCS – Brisbane Office, Bell State School, Bella Grace Early Learning Centre, Belle Property, Belly Laughs Family Daycare, Beyond Web Development, BGB Electrc Pty Ltd, BHM Australia Pty Ltd, BNR Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Boswell Books, Bowen Supa IGA, Bribie Island Church of Christ Craft and Friendship Club, Brisbane Broncos Charities Fund, Brisbane City Council, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Bryan Foundation, Buderim Foundation Ltd, Burdekin Shire Council, Burleigh Waters Childcare Centre, C & A Anderson, C & A Fitzpatrick, C & A Goffage, C & C Carley, C & D Myers, C & H Lundgaard, C & M Earp, C & M McGrath, C & M Tilley, C & N Tatham, C & S Lo Giudice, C Abel, C Atthow, C Barrett, C Bennett, C Blake, C Booth, C Borsht, C Bruton, C Carlaw, C Ciereszko, C Collins, C Cottom, C Cunningham, C Curchin, C Davies, C Davila, C Davis, C Dawson, C Egon, C Fabian, C Furnival, C Goldburg, C Gordon, C Handran, C Hansen, C Hearn, C Hinxman, C Holland, C Hughes, C Hunt, C J & Y M Gray, C Jackson, C Johnson, C Leavy, C Lonergan, C Marchant, C McCarthy, C McIntyre, C Millar, C Miller, C Montgomery, C Muir, C Noble, C Osburn, C Parkinson, C Prowse, C Richmond, C Rohde, C Savage, C Sisson, C Smith, C Sue, C Sweeney, C W & J A Farmer, C Wadley, C Walker, C Warat, C Wecker, C Whitfield, C Williams, C Wisemantel, C Yelland, C&K Banksia Beach Kindergarten, C&K Stanthorpe Community Kindergarten, C&K Tewantin Community Childcare, Calibre Consulting, Calliope & District Community Bank Branch, Caloundra Christian College, Caloundra Quilters, Caravanning

Queensland, Cardinal Bioresearch Pty Ltd, Cards Only, Carnival Land Amusements, Cause for Cocktails, Cavpower, Central

Highlands Regional Council, Capella Office, CharityDOs.com.au, Chase Gallery, Christ the King Catholic Outside School Hours

Care, Christopher Chee Foundation, Citi Living, City Caravan Centre, Clayfield College, Clifford Gouldson Lawyers, Cochlear Limited,

Collier Charitable Fund, Conduit Supplies, Conocophillips Australia, Corinda State School, Corinne Yoong Dermatology Pty Ltd, Count

Charitable Foundation, Cricks Auto Group, Crowe Horwath Toowoomba, CS Energy, D & A Wright, D & C Smith, D & L Prineas, D & M Wildbore,

D & R Hinton, D & Y Bond, d + k, D Anderson, D Atherton, D Beecham, D Biggs, D Black, D Blake, D Bortoli, D Bostock, D Bowyer, D Brock, D Burmester,

D Carey, D Clancy, D Cohn, D Coman, D Costelloe, D Custance, D Dalby, D Donovan, D Dornan, D Dowling, D Edwards, D Ellis, D Farquharson, D Fijac,

D Fleming, D Gottke, D Graham, D Grundy, D Hammond, D Hardidge, D Hart, D Hockley, D Hough, D Jardine, D Kerwin, D Kimball, D Langguth, D Lethbridge,

D Little, D Macneill, D Manahan, D Manning, D Marsh, D Mayne, D McCormack, D Mellers, D Morgan, D Morse, D Muckert, D Murray, D Nash, D O’Donoghue,

D Penny, D Phomsouvanh, D Price, D Rajasingham, D Reed, D Robinson, D Smerdon, D Smithson, D Soong, D Townsend, D Trench, D Trundle, D Walters,

D’ash Hair Studio, David Hill Medical Pty Ltd, Deafness Forum of Australia, Department of Agriculture & Water Resources, Department of Communities,

Child Safety and Disability Services, Department of Education, Department of Education and Training, DGW Group, Disability Services, Cairns, DLA Project

Management, Dundula State School, Dysart Child Centre, E & J Joseph, E & M Cassimatis, E & V McCabe, E Alexander, E Allan, E Barham, E Campion,

E Colwell, E Cool, E Coomer, E Cottrell, E Cvetanoski, E Daly, E Darbyshire, E Draper, E Fitzgibbon, E Fraser, E Harwood, E Hodge, E Hoffman, E Jenkins,

E King, E Krieger, E Lightbody, E Loch, E Macfarlane, E Manley, E McGregor, E McKay, E McKenzie, E Piotto, E Popper, E Reye, E Ryder,

E Sainsbury, E Soldani, E Symes, E Tanner, E Thompson, E Williams, E Winstanley, E Wood, Easy Reach Concrete Pumping, Education Queensland, Emergency Services Charity Race Day, Energy Super, Estate of Betty Davies, Estate of John Alan Wegner, Estate of Nerida Leslie Smith, Ethically Creative, EY, F Banjer, F de Valence, F Field, F Forouzandeh, F Golding, F King, F Lee, F Niccoli, F Pearce, F Poschelk, F Silot, F Spurling, F Thorogood, F Xavier-Heah, F Zaccari, Financial Advice Matters, Finch Hatton State School, First Class Accounts Pine Rivers, First Class Dancewear North Queensland, Flannery Foundation, Flight Centre, Ashgrove, Freedoms Fuels, Frenkenscapes Pty Ltd, Fulton Hogan, Fusion Services Group, G & B Johnstone, G & C Meijer, G & J Shaw, G & K Bird, G & T Redhead, G & W Nilsson, G Alder, G Bonsato, G Brimble, G Calford, G Cameron, G Chapman, G Doherty, G Elliott, G Forsyth, G Freeman, G Iuzzolino, G Jarden, G Lewis, G Lilley, G McCormick, G Morrison, G Netzel, G Paul, G Pearce, G Peck, G Pfeiffer, G Pinder, G Reeves, G Schuntner, G Small, G Steffen, G Tronc, G Walsh, G Walter, G White, G Winnick, Gambling Community Benefit Fund, Geranium Primary School, Glen and Lisa Richard Foundation, Glencore, Godfrey Group, Gold Coast Airport, Goodstart Early Learning Bundabgerg Geroge St, Goodstart Early Learning Douglas, Goodstart Early Learning Harristown, Goodstart Early Learning Kenmore, Goodstart Early Learning Parlmerston, Gordon E Leck and Associates, Grill’d Cairns, Grill’d Pacific Fair, Guymer Bailey Architects, H Andronicos, H Barrett, H Bowksill & P Vallance, H Clark, H de Vries, H Fraser, H Gengos, H Hieck, H Humble, H Kay, H Kelly, H King, H McCarthy, H Mitchell, H Murphy, H Parker, H Primus, H Robertson, H Webster, H Winkel, Hamilton Hayes Henderson Architects, HBA Encompass Pty Ltd, Healthy Active Lifestyles Toowoomba (Inc), Henzells Agency, Hervey Bay Red Cross Blood Service, Higgins Chambers, Highpoint Espresso, Hill End Public School, Hinternoosa Pty Ltd, Holland Park Kindergarten, Hub Cafe Kitchen, I & J Colledge, I & K Teese, I & P Dill, I & S Worrell, I Burgess, I Goodall, I Kovarskis, I McCarthy, I Palmer, Ian and Janelle Brown Family Trust, Ian Dodd Trust, Inferno Sports, Integral Technology Solutions, Ipswich Junior Grammar School, J & A Lloyd, J & B Griffiths, J & C Comas, J & C Friendship, J & D Worrell, J & H Bowskill, J & K Paterson, J & L Vasileff, J & M Campbell, J & M Gravagna, J & M Hobson, J & N Roberts, J & S Bird, J & W Bradley, J Aitken, J and S Projects, J Arvier, J Atkinson, J Balfour-Ogilvy, J Banks, J Bell, J Bennett, J Bermudez, J Black, J Boehme, J Bowen, J Boxall, J Bryan, J Bushnell, J C Pascoe Memorial Charitable Trust, J Cairns, J Callard, J Carroll, J Carter, J Coman, J Corney, J Coulthard, J Dalton, J Davies, J Davis, J De Ross, J Dean, J D’Souza, J Dudley, J Esler, J Factor, J Finger, J Flew, J Foo, J Frail, J Frith, J Fullerton, J Gallagher, J Gavin, J Gilbert, J Godsall, J Gracia, J Graff, J Grainger, J Gray, J Green, J Griffin, J Hanley, J Harbison, J Harbort, J Harkin, J Harvey, J Hatch, J Hawkins, J Hefferan, J Henry, J Hirschfeld, J Holt, J Holyoak, J Howard, J Howe, J Howell, J Hume, J Hunter, J Irving, J J Richards & Sons Pty Ltd, J Jenkins, J Johnston, J Kane, J Kelly, J Kennedy, J Kennett, J Keys, J Kindelan, J Kosic, J Lee, J Lees, J Ling, J Livingstone, J Mableson, J Mackay-Rankin, J Maclean, J Madders, J Marshall, J McDonald, J McGill, J McGovern, J McLeod, J McPhee, J Mead, J Medhurst, J Miller, J Moloney, J Moore, J Mudri, J Murdoch, J Murgha, J Nicholson, J Oliver, J Otter, J Parker, J Persse, J Picone, J Pixley, J Pryor,

J Pullman, J Quayle, J R & E M Moore, J Radstaak, J Reid, J Rostron, J Rowell, J Rudduck, J Sanders, J Savige, J Schreuder, J Schultz, J Smith, J Snape, J Southall, J Stevens, J Stewart, J Sturrock, J Swift, J Szach, J Thereaper, J Tyrrell, J Urquhart, J Vallender, J van der Have, J Walton, J Watson, J Watt, J Webby, J Weeks, J Williams, J Worrell, J Wren, J Young, Jade Jewellers, Jamboree Community Kindergarten, Jardale Pty Ltd, Jo Byrom Interiors, John Deshon Pty Ltd, John Villiers Trust, Juno bakery and Cafe, K & A Jobbins, K & J Inwood, K & L Joyce, K & N Nicholson, K & P Gillam, K Allan, K Anderson, K Auld, K Brady, K Broadley, K Bugeja, K Cardwell, K Clarke, K Coughran, K Davis, K Doherty, K Downes, K Duke, K Evans, K F & M O Martin, K Falwasser, K Faux, K Fisher, K French, K Gibson, K Golding, K Harding, K Jackson, K Ly, K Mansfield, K Marschner, K Mayles, K McGregor, K McIntyre, K McKeering-Smith, K Morris, K Muir, K O’Connell, K O’Neill, K Paulsen, K Phelan, K Piva, K Reardon, K Redman, K Renshaw, K Richter, K Rogers, K Russo, K Shadwell, K Smith, K South, K Stark, K Taylor, K Terry, K Vagne, K Waddell, K Walsh, K Watson, K Wrigley, K Wust, K Zonca, Ken Fletcher Foundation, Kids World Gilston, Kindy Patch Paddington, Kratzmanns Cars & Caravans, L & A Ross, L & M Anderson, L & M Sheargold, L & P King, L & S Pettit, L Anderson, L Antonini, L Batts, L Baxter, L Bell, L Berger, L Brown, L Burke, L Carius, L Castro, L Cavanagh, L Davis, L Day, L Ebert, L Edwards, L Farwell, L Fitzgerald, L Gangemi, L Goudy, L Greutner, L Griffin, L Hanna, L Harbour, L Hile, L Jardine, L Jeffs, L Jensen, L Keeley, L Knight, L Korpusova, L Lillico, L Macintosh, L Maguire, L Mahony, L Marsland, L McGarry, L McLaughlin, L McNally, L Meppem, L Micallef, L Olsen, L Osborne, L Phillips, L Quinlivan, L Reilly, L Rushforth, L Russell, L Ryan, L Santoro, L Shuttleworth, L Siganto, L Smith, L Stam, L Stephen, L Sugars, L Tamai, L Thompson, L Tod, L Viljoen, L Waddell, L Wallen, L Watson, L Welsh, L Wilson, L Wruck, L Youngman, Landmark White, Leading Steps Paediatric Clinic, Lions Club of Goomeri Inc, Lions Club of Mooloolaba Inc, Lions Club of Moreton Bay Inc, Lions Club of Peregian Inc, Lions Club of Toowoomba Inc, Longreach State School, Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust, M & A Fernando, M & A Strong, M & B Otto, M & C Ash, M & C Bell, M & D Parker, M & D Robshaw, M & S Hickson, M & S Luke, M Akamatis, M Ames, M Atienza, M Ballancin, M Barnes, M Bennett, M Berry, M Blake, M Blue, M Brokken, M Burkhardt, M Byrne, M Cameron, M Clark, M Coman, M Crestani, M Cunningham, M Curtain, M Davies, M Davis, M Defay, M Dimit, M Duff, M Dunn, M Feez, M Florin, M Ford, M Foster, M Francis, M Gardiner, M Gianarakis, M Grimes, M Hardcastle, M Harding, M Harms, M Hart, M Hayes, M Hill, M Hopkins, M Horkings, M Howells, M Hung, M Hutchinson, M Jameson, M Johnston, M Jones, M Kruger, M Land, M Leaver, M Lewczuk, M Liussi, M Lynam, M MacKenzie, M Maguire, M Mahoney, M Makeham, M Masloff, M McDonald, M McIntyre, M Merciar, M Mitchell, M Nicolaou, M O’Brien, M O’Donnell-Daniel, M Oliver, M O’Sullivan, M Pearce, M Perry, M Pettigrew, M Phelps, M Piper, M Raleigh, M Raymond, M Richter, M Robertson, M Robinson, M Rosengren, M Ross, M Russell, M Rye, M Salter, M Seung, M Shackleton, M Shatford, M Shearer-Smith, M Smart, M Smith, M Spork, M Steinberg, M Stevenson, M Stewart, M Storrs, M Stott, M Thursby, M Tolliday, M Torbey, M Wall, M Warby, M Wilson, M Wright, M Zavattaro, Marian and EH Flack Trust, Marjorie Biggs Charitable Trust, McCullough Robertson Lawyers, McGarry Partners Services Pty Ltd, McLeod Partners, Meat at Billys, Media Ocean, MegaTec Electrics, Mercy Place, Merinda State School, Mettle Projects, Michel Group Services Pty Ltd, Moil Primary School, Momenta V Consulting, MYER Stores Community Fund, Mylan Painting & Plastering, N & G Busch, N Ashby, N Blauensteiner, N Brennan, N Burley, N Cunanan, N Duncan-Tibbey, N Fawcett, N Gibson-Wilde, N Haneveld, N Korst, N Lehtonen, N MacDonald, N McMaster, N Nolan, N Pascoe, N Robinson, N Sandona, N Saunders, N Shadwell, N Smith, N Strachan, N Stuetz, N Taylor, N Thompson, N Tolhoek, N Young, Nambour Hibiscus Retirement Resort Social Committee, National Australia Bank, National Council of Jewish Women of Australia Inc, Newman’s Own Foundation, Noosa New Age Plumbing and Gas, North Brisbane Dental Clinic, North Sydney Girls High School, Nursery Road State Special School, O Bowler, O Carkeek, O George, O Smith, O Southern, Office of the Health Ombudsen, Opal Florence Tower Aged Care, Orchard’s Dance Studio, Order of St John of Jerusalem Sunshine Coast Commandery, P & A Lamont, P & G Downes, P & J Bird, P & N O’Neill, P & R Grady, P Abbott, P Ash, P Baily, P Bassingthwaighte, P Beauchamp, P Bell-Allen, P Bowman, P Calvert, P Canty, P Dumenu, P Gallagher, P Grum, P Hardiker, P Hewitt, P Hickson, P Hudson, P Hughes, P Isdale, P Job, P Johnson, P Kennedy, P Lane-Mullins, P Laxon, P Lowe, P Mahony, P Margrie, P McAuliffe, P McTaggart, P Moffatt, P Murray, P Nielsen, P O’Connor, P O’Neill, P Pixley, P Poland, P Riddles, P Rose, P Sharwood, P Sippe, P Smith, P Stabler, P Taylor, P Thomas, P Timmins, P Wake, P Yu, Paddington Tavern, Parkhurst Early Learning Centre, Parti Events Decorators, Payne Road State School, Peachport Pty Ltd, Peninsula B. P. Guild, Petals Network Pty Limited, Peter Dornan Physiotherapy, Piccones Supa IGA, Plough Inn, Port Curtis Road State School, Property Projects Australia, QCWA Peachester, Queensland Academy for Creative Industries, Queensland Ballet, Queensland

Community Foundation, Queensland Country Credit Union, Queensland Country Women’s Association, Queensland Health, Queensland Parliament,

Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Queensland Police Service, Queensland Reds, Queensland Steel and Sheet Pty Ltd, Queensland Taiwan Charity

Fund Incorporation Pty Ltd, Queensland University of Technology, Queensland Womens Masters Hockey, Quota International of Buderim Inc, Quota International of Coolum Beach Inc, Quota International of Gladstone, Quota International of Gold Coast, Quota International of Gympie, Quota International of Maleny, Quota International of Maryborough Inc, Quota International of North Lakes, Quota International of Redcliffe, Quota International of Sandgate, Quota International of Thuringowa, Quota International of Townsville, Quota International of Whitsundays, Quota International of Wynnum Manly,

Quota Internationa Region 15, R & B Tapp, R & C Gavin, R & C Hambly, R & D Reimer, R & G Tonkin, R & H Fountain, R & K Brothers, R & L Milns, R & M Anderson, R Ahlholm, R Bennett, R Bergmansons, R Blake, R Boscaini, R C & J Zischke, R Champion, R Cooper, R Copeland, R Corney, R Courtenay, R Creagh, R Dang, R Firster, R Galvin, R Gillham, R Hadley, R Hall, R Harnishfeger, R Johnson, R Lakshman, R Lingard, R Martin, R McGahon, R McGuire, R Monahan, R Newton, R Pankhurst, R Pappalardo, R Pilley, R Pulsford, R Rushbrooke, R Ryles, R Seldon, R Simmons, R Simpson, R Tapp, R Tester, R Turrisi, R Tyquin, R Vickers, R Warren, R Willis, R Wolfe, R Wright, R Zacks, Rainbow Educational, Ray White Rockhampton, Red Cross Blood Service, Renae’s Pantry, Revive Studio, Rivercity Locksmiths Pty Ltd, Rolls Savour, Vietnamese Street Food and Bakery, Ronald Geoffrey Arnott Foundation, Rotary Club of Noosa Heads Daybreak, S & C Cameron, S & C Jensen, S & G Mowbray, S & J Holmes, S & L Campbell, S & M Jungfer, S & S Wickman, S & V Meier, S Andrews, S B & G A Fine, S Betts, S Bissell, S Bothams, S Boulton, S Brady, S Brice, S Britton, S Burke, S Burroughs, S Cameron, S Cervellin, S Collett, S Cracknell, S Davis, S Drewe, S Dunn, S Elliott, S Ellis, S Evans, S Fahey, S Ghidella, S Godwin, S Goswami, S Grant, S Guest, S Harbison, S Haynes, S Hitchcock, S Hulme, S Inglis, S Jolliffe, S Kersnovske, S Klein, S Learmonth, S Litchfield, S Lynskey, S Mabb, S Manger, S McGuire, S McLaggan, S Merz, S Miles, S Mitchell, S Monaghan, S Morgan, S Morris, S Murphy, S Nankivell, S Neil, S Nolan, S Park, S Parker, S Pearson, S Pegg, S Phillips, S Piper, S Powell, S Pozzi, S Prescott, S Pugliese, S Raff, S Reed, S Sadikhov, S Salmond, S Sanders, S Szegfu, S Taylor-Holmes, S Turner, S Twidale, S Unwin, S Upton, S Veli, S Walter, S Warren, S White, S Wimmer, S Wood, S Worth, S Young, Sandstone World, Sarah Greer Trust, Scallywags Childcare Centre, Scenic Tours Pty Ltd, SDSI, Singapore Airlines, Sonova AG, Sparke Helmore Lawyers, Springfield Land Corporation Pty Ltd, St Agnes School, St Flannan’s Primary School, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, St Joseph’s School, St Luke’s Catholic Parish School, St Peter’s Lutheran College, Stafford City Doctors, Stan and Maureen Duke Foundation, Stelios Papas Co Trust, Stephen G Cook Medical Pty Ltd, Stunned Mullets, Suncorp Group, Suncorp Stadium, Sundale Social Club, Sunshine Coast Breakfast Group – Caloundra, Sunshine Coast Paddlesports Club, T & A Hughes, T & M Giles, T & M Hamey, T Atkins, T Barry, T Blackburn, T Blake, T Braunack, T Daniel, T Desilets, T Dillon, T Dowell, T Drewin, T Elcock, T Elks, T Gordon, T Gutteridge, T Hadwen, T Heard, T Keliher, T Krimmer, T Lippett, T McIvor, T Moore, T O’Connell, T Othman, T Poole, T Porter, T Pryor, T Reed, T Robinson, T Saverin, T Seymour, T Slater, T Sullivan, T Tran, T Van Eyk, T Waller, T Wittmann, Tadpoles Early Learning Centre, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, Tall, Dark and Caffeinated Mobile Coffee Van, Taranganba Early Learning, Tee’s Tiny Tots Montessori Family Daycare, Templeton Dance

Studio, TFC Financial, The CM & JA Whitehouse Foundation, The Gap Uniting Church Men’s Group, The Ginger Factory, The iPad Man, The J C Liao Family Trust, The Law Office, The Produce Bulk Foods, Thiess Pty Ltd, Thompson Family Children of the Future

Fund, Thornlands State School, Tom Favell Architects Pty Ltd, Toowoomba Anglican College and Preparatory School, Toowoomba Regional Council, Total Wellness Massage, Townsville Blood Donor Centre, Townsville City Council, TPC Finance, Tuba Media

Productions, Twigs Florist, U and I Espresso Pty Ltd, U Gantz, Ultra Tune Strathpine, UnitingCare Forestville Preschool, University of Queensland, UV4x4 Pty Ltd, V & G Jarousek, V & S J Dimarco, V Burns, V Caso, V Chancellor, V Dang,

V Drummond, V Heenan, V Hill, V Kuchel, V Mobbs, V Noble, V Parker, V Zimmerman-Gleason, VAE Group, Vecchio Property Group, Veresdale Scrub State School, View Brisbane Riverview Hotel, Vita Group Limited,

W & J Lewis, W Bickerton, W Brown, W Chan, W Costello, W J B & G R Heath, W McLeod, W O’Meara, W Viccars, W Wallis, Weight Reduction Club of Acacia Ridge, Wesley Pharmacy, Westpac

Ashgrove, Windsor Recruitment, Winning Media Pty Ltd, Woombye Early Development Centre, Worldwide Printing Solutions South Brisbane, Xari Group,

Y Hamilton-Smith, Yellow Cabs (Qld) Pty Ltd, Z Brady, Z Khalil, Zig Zag Foundation


A NEW CENTRE FOR TOOWOOMBAA generous grant from the Thompson Family Children of the Future Fund enabled Hear and Say to purchase a new building for its Toowoomba Centre.

“This new space represents an exciting future for Hear and Say enabling us to expand our services across Toowoomba and the Darling Downs. We are indebted to Nola and Roy Thompson who helped make this possible,” Chris McCarthy, CEO

OUR THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO DONATED IN 2016-17...

PRESENT

25 REASONS TO CELEBRATE


“This year has been one of celebration, a chance for us to reflect on 25 years, and more importantly an opportunity to use our combined knowledge to move forward as we start a new journey that’s taking Hear and Say to the next 25 years and beyond.

It was a year that included two of our children being represented at the First Voice Power of Speech in Parliament House, Canberra; participation in the annual Brisbane Open House, and ended with two birthday celebrations on 6 July 2017 to mark our special anniversary.

It has been a great honour to work alongside so many experienced and passionate people made up of staff and volunteers including our Board. This year’s annual report recognises Dr Dimity Dornan whose vision started it all. On behalf of everyone at Hear and Say, thank you Dimity for your vision and your tenacity.”Chris McCarthy, CEO

The day began with a morning function attended by the Premier of Queensland, Annastacia Palaszczuk at Hear and Say’s Brisbane centre. In the evening, Hear and Say Patron, His Excellency Paul de Jersey AC, Governor of Queensland and Mrs Kaye de Jersey hosted staff, families and friends of Hear and Say in their home at Government House.

And of course there is never a celebration at Hear and Say without cake! Staff enjoyed the celebrations as we sang out the traditional birthday song at our July all-of-team meeting.

Although it was a special day for all staff, one person in particular was bursting with pride. Hear and Say Founder, Dr Dimity Dornan, AO said in her speech:

“Thank you to everyone who has made this day possible. I started Hear and Say with the mission to help deaf children to hear and it is incredible that we have grown from six children to now supporting more than 900 children across Queensland and the world. Advancements in technology, and the funding we receive from government, philanthropists and the public has helped us to achieve more than I ever dreamt would be possible.”

“THE PAST IS YOUR LESSON, THE PRESENT IS YOUR GIFT, AND THE FUTURE IS YOUR MOTIVATION.”Zig Zigler, American Author

ON THURSDAY 6 JULY 2017

HEAR AND SAY TURNED 25WITH TWO BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS TO COMMEMORATE THE DAY.

Zuri Bell being presented with a certificate at the First Voice Power of Speech in Canberra.


EVENTS

CORPORATE

ANNUAL HEAR AND SAY GALA LADIES LONG LUNCH

QUEENSPLAZA

SUNCORP STADIUMTHIESS

Harry Bird, Cailia Bird, Ellen Reed and Eddie Bird.

Jackie Lewis, Dr Dimity Dornan and alumni Jamie-Lee Lewis.

Wally Lewis and Mitch Lewis.

Hear and Say staff with alumni Eddie Bird at our 2016 Hear and Say Gala.

Selling Christmas bells at QueensPlaza.

Ladies Long Lunch Committee and Hear and Say mums, Alex Bell, Lisa Prineas and Tina Worland.

Suncorp Stadium Golf Day with alumni Jonathon.Development and expansion of regional service delivery.


WE CELEBRATED AND YOU SUPPORTED

COMMUNITY

Annabel’s Goodstart Kenmore, Kersley Road day care.

Peak2Park participants, Toowoomba. Cause for Cocktails. Rotary Club of Noosa Heads Daybreak, Bookfest cheque presentation with Hear and Say Community Champion Barry Bull.

Loud Shirt Day in Ashgrove in our new Supporter Tees.

Meat at Billy’s on Loud Shirt Day.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR JOIN US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE PHOTOS OF OUR EVENTS AND COMMUNITY OF FUNDRAISERS.

IN CELEBRATION

Claire and Ryan Stokes raised $110K in celebration at their wedding.

LOUD SHIRT DAY

THIRD PARTY SUPPORT

VOLUNTEERING

Eddie Bird, Hear and Say alumni and his family recognised as Community Champions.

Aquatic Achievers visit LEAP.


Now over two years old, the ‘Hear to Learn’ School

Hearing Screening Program has proven very popular with schools, students and parents, reaching far beyond initial expectations. Since commencing in March 2015 we have screened the hearing of more

than 19,000 students across 240 school visits.

To date the program has identified 23% of students,

on the day of our visit, experiencing a hearing or ear

health issue. This figure includes 14% who have required further investigation from a GP or a hearing test. Thirty eight students had a conductive hearing loss and 16 were diagnosed with a sensorineural (permanent) hearing loss.

Demand for ‘Hear to Learn’ continues to grow with 88 schools having rebooked for 2018 so far and 22 already having secured an annual screening date for 2019.

A partnership was developed with Thiess for our first central Queensland school hearing screening visits which began in July 2017.

Tom being switched on for sound along with his twin brother Hugh.

Hear to Learn at Buderim Mountain State School.

‘HEAR TO LEARN’ SCHOOL HEARING SCREENING BREAKS ALL RECORDS


CLINICAL PROGRAM OPENING MORE WORLDS

This year has seen increased awareness and changing perceptions around the management of children with single sided deafness (SSD). This has resulted in a growing number of referrals and we now have 23 children who have progressed to implantable technology to manage their condition. The Hear and Say team have developed significant expertise in assessment and habilitation of children with SSD which has been further enhanced through new technology solutions.

The Hear and Say Audiology team offers a private diagnostic hearing service which has seen an increase in demand this year. Hear and Say are proud to provide quality care through this funding stream.

In order to meet increasing demand from regional families, additional part time local audiology staff were employed in our Gold Coast and Toowoomba Centres which has improved our continuity of care and strengthened local relationships.

23%STUDENTS EXPERIENCED A HEARING OR EAR HEALTH ISSUE

The Language Environment Analysis System (LENA) is a recording system measuring levels of ‘talk’ in young children. The success of LENA has enabled us to add it to our assessment procedure. The aim is for this additional tool to provide information to support our goal to improve early language through parental input and interactions.

This year we have purchased a number of electronic speech and language program assessments, giving our team greater access to language test tools in a more user friendly format. These are being used in the home and during school visits.

Grant funding from Perpetual trustees has provided greater security in the provision of our Microtia and Atresia early intervention and support programs and importantly funding for a research program to look at outcomes.

SEEKING WAYS TO BUILD ON OUR CHILDREN’S SUCCESS


EARLY INTERVENTION - THE KEY TO MEETING DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES

The Hear and Say Early Intervention (EI) Program continues to provide babies and children with hearing loss with the critical early skills they require. The 2016-2017 financial year has seen 70 new families enter the EI Program, some with babies only a few weeks old. Thirty four children ‘ROCKETed to Success’ (or graduated) from the EI Program at the end of 2016. Eighty six per cent of graduates achieved language scores within or above the average range which is on par with the general population where 16% fall below the average range.

We understand the benefits of a holistic and a specialist team approach when working with children and families. In view of this, we have now integrated occupational therapy and physiotherapy into the EI Program. We are working toward greater access to these services across all our centres, using Telepractice where possible and also building collaborative partnerships in regional centres. This allows families, no matter where they live, access to this holistic range of services.

This increased focus on our regional access has seen some exciting developments over the year. As an outcome of a philanthropic grant, the Toowoomba Centre moved to larger premises at 295 Ruthven Street, allowing our Occupational Therapist to have a designated motor and sensory gym. For the first time, outside our Brisbane Centre, the Townsville Team hosted the COMET social skills program for eight to 13 year olds, made possible by funding from Townsville City Council, QUOTA and funds from participant’s National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plans.

We have also seen some consolidation to our North Queensland programs resulting in closure of our Cairns Centre, and increased service delivery via our Telepractice model from our Townsville hub. This has enabled flexibility and access to our programs for families in North Queensland as we continue to provide local audiology and listening and spoken language therapy support to our children and families in Cairns.

Hear and Say continues to participate in research related to the Telepractice Program. One of our research collaborations, with the Hearing CRC, has been investigating the Telepractice model and developing tools to assist families in the decision-making process. In addition, other Hearing CRC projects in which we are playing a key role have been exploring therapy options involving digital technology and investigating the role of early maternal-child interactions in children’s language outcomes.

Meeting the changing needs of our families has seen the development of additional group programs looking at social skills development, communication and school readiness. These offer additional opportunities for our young children as they transition out of the EI Program. Group programs such as, ‘Listen Little Stars’ playgroup for babies/carers has proven so popular that a ‘Little’ LEAP for transitioning toddlers to the larger LEAP program in Brisbane has been introduced.

This year we trialled a new early childhood school readiness program ‘Ready, Set, Shine’, funded and supported by Lady Gowrie. There were three trial sites – two in Townsville and one on Thursday Island. Results have been very positive, and Hear and Say have worked hard to establish referral pathways so that children identified for referral have the right supports to access appropriate follow up services. This program is another way that Hear and Say is ensuring all children are emotionally, physically and communicatively ready for education.

Further to this, Hear and Say now offers a private speech pathology program and we have seen increasing demand for our services in this area. We have also seen growth in our Targeted Intervention Program for school aged children with hearing loss. These services have enabled us to provide support to children with a wide variety of developmental concerns.

REACHING INTO ASIA – INDIAHear and Say WorldWide held a five-day program in Mumbai teaching 60 professionals the foundational skills and knowledge that every Auditory-Verbal practitioner requires. Across the five days, participants received training on the latest hearing technology, brain development in early childhood, the crucial acquisition of auditory function, and how children develop skills in cognitive language and speech.

Feedback from the trainees and staff who participated was very positive. Their enthusiasm, involvement, and the numerous questions asked, proved that their understanding and learning had progressed significantly.

11ACTIVE RESEARCH

PROJECTS SPANNING ACROSS THREE RESEARCH

STREAMS

Hear and Say team training in India.


HEAR AND SAY RESEARCH AND INNOVATION EXPANDS BEYOND HEARINGConsistent with the expansion of our services, the last year has seen our research activities reach beyond childhood hearing loss to childhood development more generally; in particular, speech and language development and disorders.

At the close of 2016/17 Hear and Say has 11 active research projects spanning across three research streams:

• Clinical research is driven by what our children and families need and is fed back into Hear and Say’s service delivery;

• Social impact research that is not always related to hearing impairment or our traditional target population; and,

• Future research that is more theoretical/ ‘blue-sky’ in its nature.

Through the development of our publications and conference presentations, Hear and Say continues to be recognised as leaders in both child hearing loss and more generally, speech and language development and disorders. In particular, our research projects have raised the profile of rarer conditions such as microtia and atresia and single-sided deafness.

Our research publications have expanded into journals beyond those with a focus on hearing loss to those with a broader reach such as ‘Nature-Scientific Reports’, ‘Pediatrics’ and the ‘Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders’. In particular, our research projects were published with a further three accepted for publication in premier international peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Conference presentations have included the International Society for the Neurobiology of Language (London), Speech Pathology Australia National Conference (Sydney), Australasian Newborn Hearing Screening Conference (Melbourne), and Healthy Hearing Symposium (Brisbane).

Once again, Hear and Say’s annual Microtia and Atresia Conference, which is the only type of its kind in Australia, was well attended by health and educational professionals, university students and families.

FINANCIALS – MONEY IN, MONEY OUTOPERATIONAL INCOME

where the money came from

35% Clinical services, training fees and other income

33% Fundraising

20% Queensland Health

11% Education Queenlsand

1% Disability Services

OPERATIONAL EXPENDITURE

where the money goes

74% Clinical programs and service delivery

19% Fundraising and communication

7% Research, training and education


OUR PEOPLE – KNOWLEDGE, EXPERTISE AND PASSION“What do you get when you combine knowledge, expertise and passion? You get a Hear and Say staff member. We are lucky to not have just one but 61 of these.” Chris McCarthy CEO

HEAR US SAYKeeping 61 staff working across Queensland informed is never easy. With that in mind, Hear and Say introduced ‘Hear Us Say’: a fortnightly informal catch-up (face-to-face and via Skype). These meetings are taped and provided online to ensure no staff member misses out.

PEER RECOGNITION Staff are encouraged to recognise their peers who are going ‘above and beyond’ their day-to-day work. Up to six staff are nominated each month with the Executive Management Team selecting one staff member to be formally recognised.

FLUTTER AND FLY RESILIENCE PROGRAMA group of UQ organisational psychology Masters students delivered face-to-face and online workshops on resiliency. Matthew Ames, Hear and Say Board member kick-started the program with a workshop. Sessions were of a very high standard and well received.

AN INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION Our reputation internationally was further highlighted with Clinical Director, Emma Rushbrooke taking on the prestigious position of President Elect for the international AG Bell Academy Board. Emma is also the Co-Chair of the AG Bell Global Matters working group, working toward improving access and equity for clinicians around the world to receive mentoring, training and certification in Auditory-Verbal Therapy.

Our founder, Dr Dimity Dornan AO continued to be recognised for her work, receiving a Brisbane Women in Business Award for Innovation and Technology, and Women in Technology Life Sciences Outstanding Achievement Award. Dimity was also inducted into the QUT Business School Leaders Hall of Fame.

HUMAN SERVICE QUALITY FRAMEWORK (HSQF) Hear and Say achieved certification under the HSQF, an important certification for provision of services funded by the NDIS. The HSQF maintains important safeguards for people using services such as ours, and supports ongoing quality improvement.

Our annual employee survey received a 96% participation rate with a consistently high level of agreement around the purpose and passion employees have for the Hear and Say mission. There was an overall improvement in a number of key areas on the previous survey and higher scores compared to the current industry average. The survey also highlighted where Hear and Say could improve in the areas of workplace flexibility and rewards.


OUR PEOPLE – KNOWLEDGE, EXPERTISE AND PASSION

OUR STAFF Elise AlexanderWendy ArnottJessica Balfour-

OgilvyLisa BathAnnika BatrosJennifer BergmanLiza BowenJackie BrownSharon BrunaTerri ChalmersMatthew ChardSimone CheadleRona ChinElizabeth CoomerLeanne CowieClaire CunninghamDimity DornanTrudie DowellJennifer DurandKirsty FarrowLynda FarwellClaire FlanaganKaren Flewell-SmithMichelle FrancisEmma FraserMatthew GeeKirsty GibsonLiz GrahamPetra GrumKate Harding

Bonnie HayesJulie HunterLyn HuynhRoxanne InnesDella JimmyPaula JohnsonTania KennedySharon KingJessica LoweAmanda MatherChris McCarthyGreer McDonaldJane McGovernElizabeth MorosiniSteve MurrayRebecca ParkerLorna ParkerMatthew ParrGeorgia PaulCourtney PhelpsDianna RigoEmma RushbrookeAmy RussellLois ShuttleworthTim SlaterKatie SmithTracey TaylorChloe Van MulliganMichelle Von MuraltAnna WarbyAmanda Williams

OUR VOLUNTEERSElaine Heggie (right) received the Louie White Volunteer of the Year award and Hear and Say alumni, Eddie Bird and his family were recognised as Community Champions.

Natasha Anderson, Sreekruthi Bachu, Sachindra Banduthilaka, Sandra Jeanne Bales, Alex Barry, Neil Bath, Kerry Roanna Bell, Beverley Biggs, Christian Boyle, Rebecca Brett, Gary Butler, Tayla Campbell, Mandy Chia, Vicki Crawford, Ciara Durnin, Deloitte Impact Day Volunteers, Ayu Imaoka-Asis, Monica Gehrke, Tutut Graham, Bridget Greathead, Belinda Groat, Ivan Grové, Amanda Haycock, Elaine Heggie, Carly Hood, Anna Hyland, Jennessa Jacobi, Juan Jaimes, Mikaela Jenkins, Katie Jones, Georgia Kelly, Stephanie Keszegi, Ashleigh Lenac, Sarah Lim, Emma Lingard, Sune Lubbe, Lauren Macdonald, Flora Man Ma, Pirashanthini Maruthayanar, Amy Matson, Natasha Ellen Louise McDonnell, Meredith Hastings McMeekin, Simone Michael, Evyenia Michellis, Sophie Papa, Lucia Pafumi, Rebecca Parker, Sophie Richardson, Christina Rucker, Sue Schwartz, Caroline Simon, Alicia Smith, Andrea Smith, Heidi Thomas, Jasmine Triggell, Rachael Twig, Johanna Vandersee, Kali Visentin, Kate Bridget Webster, Madeleine Whiting, Caroline Williams and Donna Woodland.

OUR BOARD Mr Paul Laxon, ChairDr Jane Black, Deputy ChairMr Matthew Ames, DirectorDr Dimity Dornan, AO, Executive DirectorDr John Quayle, DirectorMr Rod Solomon, DirectorDr Margaret Steinberg, AM, Director

OUR PATRONSHis Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AKMC (Retd), Patron in Chief of Hear and Say WorldWide

His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC, Patron of Hear and Say

Mr Wally Lewis AM, Rugby League Legend and Hear and Say parent, Vice Patron of Hear and Say

Professor Graeme Clark AC, Inventor of the Cochlear Implant, Hear and Say Emeritus Patron

Dr Vinton Cerf, Co-founder of the internet, Senior Vice President and Chief Evangelist for Google, Hear and Say Internet Adviser

TO OUR STAFF, OUR VOLUNTEERS, OUR BOARD, AND OUR PATRONS THANK YOU. WE WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF CHILDREN WITH HEARING LOSS AND THEIR FAMILIES WITHOUT YOU…

Georgie White presenting the ‘Louie White Volunteer of the Year’ award to Elaine Heggie.


AN ‘EAR TO THE GROUND’ TAKING US FORWARD TO THE NEXT 25 YEARS

FUTURE


“This year we recognised 25 years, an incredible milestone that I know staff and Board members have been thrilled to have celebrated but more importantly to have played their part in reaching.

I personally am proud to have been on the Board of Hear and Say for 18 years and Chair for the past seven. It has been my great pleasure to have witnessed so many special moments.

The Board’s focus however is more importantly on the next 25 years using the learnings from the past, and the amazing knowledge that we have accumulated, to focus on our future. Today we have families who demand more from us, as well as more competition for services and funding streams. We all must work smarter, not harder if we are to continue to remain relevant into the future.

New technology and scientific advancements are bringing with them incredible choice for people and I am thrilled to be a part of this amazing future.

The past 25 years, and the next, have been possible only through the efforts of many. To the staff of Hear and Say, our volunteers, our Board and donors thank you for being a part of the Hear and Say journey.”

Paul Laxon, Chair Photographed with alumni, Jaradeenah Danomira

COLLABORATION AND CONNECTIONS Our ongoing mission has involved technology and human interfaces made possible through ongoing advocacy, collaboration and connections.

Hear and Say remains a proactive participant in the fast paced area of bionics including representation at the Neuroscience 20 and helping to bring the International Medical Bionics Conference to Brisbane.

Hear and Say has initiated two bionics groups, Bionics QLD and national body Human Bionics Interface. Together we are working to help foster vertical collaborations and create new and improved interfaces to connect clinicians, scientists, technologists, device manufacturers, start-ups, policy makers and investors with end users.

We continue to play an active role in the national representative body, First Voice, at the Board level as well across clinical, research, and fundraising. As an outcome of national collaboration, First Voice released two independent studies showing that early intervention drives life time success for deaf children, on World Hearing Day, 2017. The First Voice chair position was passed to Hear and Say CEO, Chris McCarthy in mid-2017.

Another important area of focus is the HEARing CRC, a research collaboration of 21 internationally-recognised organisations that aims ‘to prevent, and to better remediate, lost productivity resulting from hearing loss in children and adults’. Hear and Say’s work with the HEARing CRC is further recognised through Dr Dimity Dornan’s continued contribution in the role of Key Scientist.

In an exciting new collaboration with researchers from the Australian Catholic University and the Mater Research Institute called ‘Little Voices Matter’ Hear and Say is examining the relationship between prelinguistic skills, brain development, parent-child interaction, and emergent language abilities in infants born very preterm.

NDIS – CHOICE AND CONTROLThroughout Hear and Say’s experience with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), the common issue we have faced is the inconsistency in the interpretation of a child’s early intervention needs. Hear and Say supports the concept of ‘choice and control’ for all families and we are continuing to work closely with the NDIA to assist our children and families so that they can achieve the best NDIS program, and in turn the best outcomes.

Hear and Say advocates that no child should have to wait for services as time is of the essence for neural development – paediatric hearing loss is a neurological emergency.

With this in mind, Hear and Say is working with the NDIA on three areas of opportunity.

1. Establishing Australian Hearing as the Early Childhood-Early Intervention referral pathway for all children with a hearing loss.

2. Implementing an accreditation model for Early Intervention Listening and Spoken Language Specialists.

3. Introducing a tiered package approach for children with hearing loss such as low, medium and high – to give families access to the full program of services based on the clinical needs of the child, to ensure the best speech, language and communication outcomes.


Thank you to contributors to the Hear and Say Annual Report: Brio Group – creative design, Tuba Media Productions – photography.

Hear and Say LtdABN 32 058 430 069 ACN 058 430 069

Brisbane Centre (Head Office) 29 Nathan Ave, Ashgrove Qld 4060, Australia PO Box 930, Toowong Qld 4066, Australia

P +61 7 3850 2111 E [email protected]

www.hearandsay.com.aua first voice centre

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